Distracted driving is a dangerous habit.

Each year, thousands of people are killed and hundreds of thousands are injured in accidents caused by distracted drivers.

Distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, and engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road.

Why are these behaviors so dangerous? Sending or reading a text message, for example, takes your eyes off the road for just under 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that would be like driving the length of a football field while blindfolded.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

Texting

Using a cell phone or smartphone

Eating and drinking

Talking to passengers

Grooming

Reading, including maps

Using a navigation system

Watching a video

Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.